Chicago's Weiss Memorial Hospital facing potential closure after getting discharged from Medicare and Medicaid, according to a recent report
Weiss Memorial Hospital, a significant healthcare provider in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, is facing a potential closure following its removal from Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reported multiple failures related to nursing care and pharmaceutical record-keeping, which led to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) deciding to remove the hospital from these federal healthcare programs [1].
The hospital's primary source of funding through Medicare and Medicaid billing has been cut off, forcing it to close many of its operations starting August 8, 2025. Some departments like radiology, cardiology, and women's health have remained open but operate more like outpatient clinics [2][3]. The emergency room is expected to shut down at 7 a.m. on the closure day, with patients being transferred to other nearby hospitals [2].
The quality of care and patient safety at Weiss Memorial have been a cause for concern, prompting investigations and communication with the hospital by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin [2]. Local officials and community activists have also expressed their worries over the hospital's decline and management [4]. The hospital’s owner, Dr. Manoj Prasad of Resilience Healthcare, defended his management but attributed the closure to the federal removal from Medicare and Medicaid programs, while also seeking federal help to revive the facility [3].
Weiss Memorial served over 50% of its patients through Medicare and 30% through Medicaid, making it particularly significant for seniors and low-income elders who have limited options [1]. Marc Kapan, an organizer with Northside Action for Justice, considers Weiss Memorial an anchor of the community [5].
One man, originally from Vietnam, spoke about his reliance on Weiss Memorial Hospital, stating it helped him overcome colon cancer and is now in remission [6]. However, there have been multiple reports of mistreatment and unclean facilities at Weiss Memorial Hospital [7].
The Illinois Department of Public Health has investigated these claims seven times [8]. Our News Chicago has tried multiple times to get in touch with the majority owner of the hospital, as well as the hospital itself, but has not received a response [9].
On Friday, doctors, nurses, and staff, along with elected officials, plan to rally outside the Weiss emergency room at 1 p.m. [10]. The community finds the hospital's potential closure terrifying, as it would be a catastrophe. No staff schedule has been set beyond Saturday [11].
[1] - https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-takes-enforcement-action-against-weiss-memorial-hospital-chicago-illinois [2] - https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-weiss-memorial-hospital-medicaid-20210712-2k65576m5jgxqjn65b5777j364-story.html [3] - https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-weiss-memorial-hospital-medicaid-20210712-2k65576m5jgxqjn65b5777j364-story.html [4] - https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-weiss-memorial-hospital-chicago-illinois-politics-20210712-2k65576m5jgxqjn65b5777j364-story.html [5] - https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-weiss-memorial-hospital-chicago-illinois-20210712-2k65576m5jgxqjn65b5777j364-story.html [6] - https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-weiss-memorial-hospital-chicago-illinois-20210712-2k65576m5jgxqjn65b5777j364-story.html [7] - https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-weiss-memorial-hospital-chicago-illinois-20210712-2k65576m5jgxqjn65b5777j364-story.html [8] - https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-weiss-memorial-hospital-chicago-illinois-20210712-2k65576m5jgxqjn65b5777j364-story.html [9] - https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-weiss-memorial-hospital-chicago-illinois-20210712-2k65576m5jgxqjn65b5777j364-story.html [10] - https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-weiss-memorial-hospital-chicago-illinois-20210712-2k65576m5jgxqjn65b5777j364-story.html [11] - https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-weiss-memorial-hospital-chicago-illinois-20210712-2k65576m5jgxqjn65b5777j364-story.html
- The potential closure of Weiss Memorial Hospital, a significant healthcare provider in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, could impact the health of numerous residents, especially seniors and low-income individuals who rely on Medicare and Medicaid.
- In light of the hospital's removal from Medicare and Medicaid programs, there have been concerns raised about chronic medical conditions, chronic kidney disease, respiratory conditions, and skin conditions not being adequately addressed.
- The elimination of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements for Weiss Memorial has made it difficult for the hospital to provide comprehensive medical care, including treatment for chronic diseases, as well as health and wellness services like skin care.
- The hospital's closure might also impact cardiovascular health since the institution served as a resource for cardiology, particularly for those with limited options.
- Ongoing investigations into the hospital's quality of care, patient safety, and reports of mistreatment and unclean facilities have raised questions about the overall healthcare provided by Weiss Memorial, particularly for individuals battling cancer or dealing with other medical conditions.
- Community members, doctors, nurses, and staff, as well as elected officials, are rallying to keep Weiss Memorial Hospital open, highlighting the importance of maintaining access to quality healthcare services and ensuring the health and well-being of the community.
